Initiatives

Data Collection

Annually, middle and high school students voluntarily participate in the Developmental Assets Profile (DAP). The DAP survey was developed by Search Institute, an organization committed to researching factors that help young people succeed. Search has identified 40 Developmental Assets that contribute to the success of young people – things like support, boundaries and expectations, commitment to learning and positive values. The DAP survey measures the number of 40 Developmental Assets possessed by the group of participating students and provides rich data for identifying areas of great strength, as well as potential growth.

As part of the DAP survey, the Coalition is also able to gather data on the four Core Measures related to alcohol and other drug use. These additional questions ask youth about their perceptions of risk, peer approval, and parental disapproval regarding use of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana and prescription drugs. The survey also collects data on student use of all four substances in the previous 30 days.

Together, the DAP and four Core Measures surveys provide an overall picture of how Rice County young people are doing. Used in conjunction with data from law enforcement, community corrections and treatment providers, as well as trend data from past years, the Coalition is able to create a strategic work plan that directly addresses needs.

Law Enforcement Enhancement

The Coalition is proud to support local law enforcement agencies as they work to make our communities healthy and safe. Despite limited time and stretched resources, our law enforcement officers believe in the power of prevention and are willing to take extra steps to stop crime before it starts.

Night to Unite Support

Night to Unite, formerly National Night Out, is celebrated annually on the 1st Tuesday of August and rallies neighbors together as a way to prevent crime and increase positive relationships with police. In cooperation with law enforcement, the Coalition provides party kits to each registered neighborhood across the country and assists with the publicity for the event.

Tip411

Local law enforcement agencies eagerly accept any information about suspicious activity or criminal behavior. Recently, the Coalition and law enforcement partners implemented a text-based, 100% anonymous reporting system that utilizes the internet and cell phones. The Coalition is responsible for marketing Tip411 to middle and high school-aged students and families, as well as the community at large.

Surveillance Support

The Coalition maintains a mobile surveillance camera that can be deployed in areas where drug sales and drug use are reportedly prevalent. The camera not only has the capabilities of capturing incriminating footage, but also serves as a deterrent to those persons involved in drug use or sales. The Coalition provided signs for public parks, informing community members about possible surveillance, including instructions on how to report suspicious behavior anonymously.

Legislation Education & Advocacy

The Coalition creates opportunities to pursue a positive relationship with local Minnesota State Senators and Representatives. Annually, the Coalition hosts these elected officials to provide an update on the work of the Coalition and to discuss current issues or trends potentially impacted by legislation. The legalization of medical marijuana, opiate abuse crisis, and need for more available treatment beds are just a few of the topics that have been examined in recent years. For more information, contact info@ricecountychc.org.

Parent and Community Awareness

Several strategies are used to increase the knowledge of parents and community members around youth alcohol and drug use. Ranging from parent postcards, school newsletters and local media outlets to expert training and presentations, the Coalition keeps the ever changing landscape of youth alcohol and drug use in the forefront of people’s minds.

Hidden In Plain Sight

This community education tool teaches viewers about how teens conceal their alcohol and drug use. The display features a variety of “hides” (common household product containers used to secretly store marijuana, pills, alcohol, and other drugs without raising the suspicions of adults). Hidden in Plain Sight also educates adults about other familiar objects used to consume drugs or mask the smells and appearance of drug use.

Stalls Campaign

A county-wide effort to reach young adults, the Stalls Campaign involves posters in bathroom stalls at local restaurants and bars frequented by 18 – 25 year olds. This series of messages is strategically placed where young adults may have a private moment to consider the information. Topics include local resources for opiate addiction, Don’t Run – Call 911, the Sober Cab program and Tip411 Anonymous Reporting.

For more information about efforts to raise awareness among parents and community members, contact info@ricecountychc.org.

Rx Drug Abuse Response

In an effort to address increased opioid use among Rice County youth, the Coalition has implemented two main strategies:

Take It To the Box & Lock It In The Box

Take It To the Box

In 2007, the Coalition developed a permanent medication disposal program in cooperation with local law enforcement to reduce youth access to commonly abused prescription medication. Aptly named “Take It To The Box”, collection receptacles are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To date, Take It To The Box has collected and disposed over 9 tons of unwanted medication. In addition to safe disposal, Take It To The Box also promotes safe use and safe storage of medication.

Drop-off boxes are located in the lobbies of the police departments in Faribault and Northfield, plus the Rice County Sheriff’s office.

Faribault Police Department: 25 4th St NW, Faribault, MN

Northfield Police Department: 1615 Riverview Drive, Northfield, MN

Rice County Sheriff’s Office: 118 3rd St NW, Faribault, MN

Lock It In The Box

Lockable medicine containers are available to purchase for home use at a reduced cost at these locations:

Sterling Drug, 700 Division St., Northfield

Sterling Drug, 430 2nd Ave. NW, Faribault

Rice County Public Health, 320 3rd St. SW, Faribault

HealthFinders, 223 Central Ave., Faribault

Naloxone (Narcan)

Click to watch the Naloxone Saves Lives video. Learn about overdose and how to administer naloxone.

In addition to reducing access to prescription drugs, the Coalition works with local law enforcement, emergency responders, treatment providers, pharmacies and physicians to promote the use of naloxone (Narcan). In 2014, Steve’s Law was signed by the Minnesota State Legislature, enabling first responders to carry naloxone, a life-saving drug used to reverse opiate overdose. In addition, Steve’s Law offers legal protection for anyone who witnesses a drug overdose if they call 911, stay on scene and participate in answering questions from law enforcement. The Coalition has promoted “Don’t Run, Call 911” through community posters and student education. The Coalition has also coordinated training for first responders in Rice County and supported a training with the Rummler Foundation for community members seeking a nalaxone prescription. Sterling Pharmacy has stepped forward to assist in making a training video for anyone receiving a prescription for naloxone, providing the education necessary for proper administration of the drug. Sterling Pharmacy is also committed to having prescriptions on hand for patients whose insurance doesn’t cover naloxone and cannot afford the drug otherwise. The Coalition is continuing to work on physician education and is working with clinics to educate the public about obtaining naloxone.

For more information on prescription drug abuse, Take It To The Box or efforts around naloxone and Steve’s Law, contact info@ricecountychc.org.

Support for Schools

The Chemical Health Coalition enjoys strong partnerships with local public, private and charter schools and supports each school according to their unique needs, individual mission and existing resources. Some examples include:

PREVENTION PROGRAMS – The Coalition works with schools to identify prevention programming that fits their school’s model and existing efforts around behavior and school climate. Programs occur during the school day and/or after school depending on whether the program targets all students or a sub-population of students.

CURRICULUM SUPPORT – The Coalition is able to provide funding for schools desiring to implement evidence-based curricula that promote alcohol and drug prevention, social-emotional health and positive school climate. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis as funds are available. To access the application for funding, CLICK HERE.

POLICY WORK – The Coalition provides assistance to schools in examining existing policies and procedures regarding substance use and informs best-practice implementation.

GRANT APPLICATION SUPPORT – The Coalition is supportive of schools seeking to acquire additional resources for student programs and is able to provide letters of support, proposal/program development, and grant writing assistance.

STAFF TRAINING – The Coalition works with schools to provide relevant and engaging staff training and continuing education opportunities on a variety of topics.

STUDENT LEADERSHIP/INVOLVEMENT – The Coalition serves as a resource for student groups aiming to educate their peers about the risk of using alcohol and drugs. In turn, the students also help the Coalition by delivering important messages and information to their peers.

CLASSROOM PRESENTATIONS – Coalition members regularly share their expertise with local students regarding the legal, social and health consequences associated with alcohol and drug abuse.

Training

The Rice County Chemical Health Coalition, through its extensive partnerships, is pleased to be able to offer training and information sessions on a number of topics related to alcohol and other drug abuse. Examples include:

Everyone’s An Asset Builder: Integrating Developmental Assets into Your Life

Hidden In Plain Sight – What Law Enforcement Finds and Where They Find It

Identifying Youth Drug Abuse & Accessing Treatment Options

Local Student Survey Results & Implications

Sharing the Asset Message

Synthetic Drug Abuse (cannabinoids and cathinones)

Teen Brain Development

The Opiate Abuse Crisis

Youth Mental Health First Aid

The Coalition also has access to numerous professionals in related fields across Minnesota and the United States for education and training. Involvement with MPA (Minnesota Prevention Alliance), CADCA (Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America) and SAMSHA (Substance Abuse Mental Health Administration) allows the Coalition to stay up-to-date on new research, latest drug trends and best-practices in prevention.

Not seeing something here that interests you? We can design a training to fit your needs. Video resources are also available on various topics, as well as a lending library for additional education resources.

Alcohol Awareness Beverage Server Training

Alcohol Server Awareness training is required by Rice County and the cities of Faribault and Northfield for alcohol license renewal. Non-profit and temporary license holders are also required to obtain training for volunteers. The training curriculum was developed in conjunction with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division and fulfills dram shop insurance requirements for most insurance companies (License holders are encouraged to check with their insurance companies to confirm).

Alcohol awareness open enrollment classes are offered once a month, alternating between Faribault and Northfield locations. Contracted/on-site trainings are available at the request of individual establishments to train all employees. In addition, a one-hour refresher course is available for employees who have been trained within the last year (Must provide proof of attendance at time of registration). For information about upcoming open enrollment classes, refresher courses, or to schedule an on-site contracted training, please contact Ashley Anderson, ashley@northfieldhci.org.

Enforcing Underage Drinking Laws

Social Host Ordinances, ZAP, Alcohol Server Training and Compliance Checks provide a four-pronged approach to addressing underage drinking in Rice County. Engaging law enforcement, county and city attorneys, schools and alcohol establishments, the Coalition works to maintain a legal system that does not tolerate underage drinking.

SOCIAL HOST ORDINANCES have been in effect in Rice County since 2011, closing the loophole on underage drinking laws. A social host ordinance makes it illegal to knowingly provide a location/environment for underage drinking. This differs from laws that make it illegal to provide alcohol to minors. The person responsible for “hosting” the party, even a juvenile, can be charged with a social host violation.

ZERO ALCOHOL PROVIDERS (ZAP) is a multi-jurisdictional response to large underage drinking parities. ZAP protocol maintains that officers will treat underage drinking parties as a crime scene – obtaining a warrant if necessary, interviewing all party goers, and collecting evidence in order to identify and charge the person(s) responsible.

The Coalition offers BEVERAGE SERVER TRAINING to alcohol license holders and their employees as a way to reduce youth access to alcohol. The training content, developed by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, includes information on the risks associated with underage drinking and the legal and social consequences of selling to those under 21.

Police departments regularly conduct COMPLIANCE CHECKS at all alcohol and tobacco establishments as a way to test their sales practices. While supervised by police, an underage individual attempts to purchase tobacco or alcohol using their own I.D. or without an I.D. at all. If the employee sells to the youth, the establishment fails the check. The Coalition publicly recognizes those businesses who pass checks through local media outlets and by presenting them with a certificate of appreciation.

Support for People in Recovery

The Chemical Health Coalition honors and celebrates people who are in recovery from alcohol and drug addiction and mental illness and disorders. As a way to reduce stigma, the Coalition participates in a number of activities that highlight the courage, strength, talent and success of people in recovery. In addition, the Coalition works in partnership with the Rice County Mental Health Collective to raise awareness about how common these disorders are and that getting help is okay.

September is national Recovery Month sponsored by SAMHSA (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration) and is a time to acknowledge the reality of addiction, the power of recovery and the need to reduce stereotypes and discrimination. In honor of Recovery Month, Fountain Centers sponsors a “Recovery’s Got Talent” talent contest for people in recovery and people who support those in recovery. Competitions are held in various cities in southern Minnesota. Another event held in September is RecoveryFest. RecoveryFest is a family-friendly gathering of the local recovery community held at Central Park in Faribault, MN. It features live music, food and activities. It is free and open to the public.